Mold

We recently sold an ocean front condo to an out of state buyer. There was a home inspection done before closing and this condo is located in a concrete and steel building that is approximately seven to eight years old. Everything checked out on the home inspection but now, four months later, it seems there is a big mold issue in the heating and air ducts as well as the air handler. The air ducts are going to have to be chemically cleaned and the air handler replaced. There was a home warranty issued at the closing but it doesn't cover mold. The buyer now feels the home inspector is liable, since he didn't catch the problem. Has anyone had this problem and what was the outcome? Any suggestions?

Mold is a test done outside of the typical "quad" inspection in our area. We have it built right into our forms that mold may be a problem and suggest the buyer test for it. If they do not you have your backside covered. If Mold was not a part of the "typical" items inspected by your home inspector your buyer is going to have a hard time holding the inspector or anyone else liable. I'm afraid your buyer is going to have to chalk this up to a learning experience and will be sure to test for mold next time.

I currently reading a book and I'll try to get the name right. "The lawsuit free way to a Closing" Not it but I'll send you some info on it. It talks a lot about mold and numerous other issues. I know in California everyone can be held liable the seller, seller's agent, and even the buyer's agent no matter if they have a BBA or not. Scared me to death to say the least. With the market the way it is buyers who bought at the height of the market are doing everything they can to recoup money. I'll shoot you over the title and author of the book sometime tommorrow.

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